2023 Movies (So Far)
Added 2023-06-27 22:15:54 +0000 UTCWhat movies have stood out to you this year so far? I know the better films tend to be released in the second half of the year, but often I overlook some good ones in the first half. Let me know what you guys enjoyed.
Comments
Im glad they do the quiet stuff too to balance things out. It's a film I know I need to see, but haven't yet.
Deepfocuslens
2023-07-02 18:56:52 +0000 UTCI havent seen that one yet, but I know I need to.
Deepfocuslens
2023-07-02 18:55:51 +0000 UTCThanks for your insights. I'll have to look into the ones I havent heard of. Haha...I look to you guys to let me know all the movies that don't blip on my radar.
Deepfocuslens
2023-07-02 18:55:30 +0000 UTCI used to be an avid movie theater goer, but the quality of films has suffered tremendously over the last several years due to the DEI elements that are required in order to gain critical acclaim. If the film didn’t check enough boxes, it gets panned by critics. On the other hand, if it checks all of the boxes (like most of Disney’s releases over the last few years), fans of the IP end up hating the film or no one goes to see it. The studios have completely lost sight of who helps them make their money. It’s the fanboys (and girls). That being said, I’ve seen a few films recently that I found quite enjoyable that didn’t rely on DEI (or as I call it, DIE). The films were Missing, Operation Fortune: Ruse De Guerre and The Super Mario Bros Movie. They may not have been the most original films, but then again Hollywood rarely has original ideas. It’s usually adaptations, reboots, retcons, sequels, threequels, and prequels. But these both had engaging plots, likable and relatable characters, and great cast. I liked the voice cast and story for The Super Mario Bros. I think Chris Pratt gets a lot of undo hate for his conservative views on different social issues. I feel that should be separated from his acting. I think he’s quite solid as Mario. And Anya Taylor-Joy is, as always, a pleasure to watch even as an animated character. With Operation Fortune, Statham and Guy Richie do their thing teaming up again and have a solid cast and story backing them up. I especially enjoyed Josh Hartnett’s actor character who is called upon for government service because the man they’re after is a fan of his film work. And then they become buddies. Very different from what you’d expect with that kind of storyline. Of the three films, I enjoyed Missing the most. Great performance by the cast, especially Storm Reid in the role of June. The character was relatable and the supporting cast was also quite good. The cinematic style (used to perfection in Searching) kept me on the edge of my seat. The ending may have been a bit formulaic, but there were enough moments throughout the film to make up for the shortcomings of the ending.
TenzingNorgay82
2023-07-01 09:47:08 +0000 UTCOkay, this popped up on my mind, even if it's technically a 2022 movie. I checked the comments for the "best of 2022" list and I didn't see it pop up once, so fuck it. Have you seen Aftersun? For me, it's comfortably my favorite film of last year, tho I'm not sure if it's for everyone and a lot of people I know only saw the movie this year. It's like weirdly very sweet and then there's a specific point in the movie where you connect something and it got unforgettably sad for me.
vince2k
2023-06-30 08:39:47 +0000 UTCAnother vote for “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret.” Perfectly executed. Funny and sweet. McAdams is terrific, as is the lead performance from the young girl. Runners-up: How To Blow Up a Pipeline Beau Is Afraid Inside Past Lives You Hurt My Feelings Sisu Infinity Pool
Jim Barnes
2023-06-28 06:52:12 +0000 UTC“Past Lives” really resonated with me. It was simultaneously the most straightforward and most innovative movie I think I’ve seen in a minute. There was such attention to the realism and pacing that I felt like I was just a passenger in a life, a curious bystander (like the off-screen voice at the outset of the movie, speculating who the three characters were). “Showing Up” really did something to me, too. They both had the texture and pacing of really good fiction. I’m glad A24 is making quieter character-driven films alongside their experimental stuff.
Trevor Lisa
2023-06-28 02:41:35 +0000 UTCI’ve been terrible about keeping up with new movies out this year. I’ve really only seen John Wick 4, Beau Is Afraid, and Guardians of the Galaxy 3. Of those films, I’d have to say that JW4 is the highlight. Though it may have been stretched out too long, the movie never lost its cool inventiveness in those action scenes. And it serves a a nice send-off for the series. Beau is Afraid has a wonderful Kafkaesque nightmarish quality to it…for about the first 40 minutes. Had Ari Aster ditched the rest of the film and kept that apartment segment, he would have a short masterpiece on his hands. As for GOTG3, it reminded me that the Guardians were always the best aspect of the Marvel universe and likely always will be. So it’s best that they decided to quit while they were ahead and move on to other things.
Bennett Oliver
2023-06-28 01:50:15 +0000 UTCHow to Blow Up a Pipeline is ridiculously impressive for a semi-low budget thriller. Ion agree with the message, but it's definitely provoking as hell. And the government trying to semi-“censor” the film says a lot about how successful it gets its points across.
vince2k
2023-06-28 01:40:33 +0000 UTCNice. Man I wish I could agree on Infinity Pool. With distance I feel more negative towards it
Deepfocuslens
2023-06-28 00:01:06 +0000 UTCOnly seen 8 this year and Beau will be hard to top, but also shoutout to Guardians 3 for giving its protagonist a beautifully understated send-off and turning SOLARIS into an accessible blockbuster.
shotcumposition
2023-06-27 23:54:45 +0000 UTCPast Lives is pretty modest but that's my favorite film of this year so far.
vince2k
2023-06-27 23:45:55 +0000 UTCI definitely recommend it. It’s a fun time.
Shane Palamara
2023-06-27 23:44:39 +0000 UTCWhenever you are in the mood for fun action movies they’re worth it. 2&4 are tied for the best.
Stephen
2023-06-27 23:28:52 +0000 UTCI will! The closest for me is about an hour away and that’s when traffic is good… Also in regards to your post I forgot to add Are You There Margaret to my catch up list. Really loved the directors first film The Edge of Seventeen!
Stephen
2023-06-27 23:24:22 +0000 UTCI agree with you on a lot of this. Unfortunately I havent seen John Wick 4, because I havent seen the others fully. So I have catching up to do.
Deepfocuslens
2023-06-27 23:24:03 +0000 UTCI actually would like to see that one. It made me happy to see a movie like this coming out. But what surprised me was when I later found out that it was directed by Elizabeth Banks. That made me even more curious. I watched her version of Charlies Angels, and I found her directing instincts to be pretty bad. So I was interested to see her do something like this, which would be refreshingly less self-serious.
Deepfocuslens
2023-06-27 23:22:02 +0000 UTCRegarding Past Lives, it wasn't playing near me last weekend either but just checked and a theater literally five minutes from me got it so might check again this weekend.
Tyler Shobe
2023-06-27 23:21:39 +0000 UTC* Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse - A very worthy sequel that once again has a story that takes the phrase "With great power comes great responsibility" to a new level. Visually, one of the most beautiful animated movies ever made. * Beau is Afraid - Very polarizing, but as far as big swings go, this for me solidified Aster as one of our best auteurs working today. While definitely being flawed, all three hours flew by for me. Definitely don't agree with the complains about the second half. Very reminiscent of Scorsese's After Hours, Spielberg's A.I. and Charlie Kauffmann's body of work. * BlackBerry - Funny, absorbing and ultimately sad. The framework is familiar, comparisons to The Social Network are warranted, and yet I was still thoroughly entertained. Great performances from all three leads. * Asteroid City - After one viewing I can't quite agree with those calling this Anderson's best but given its narrative density it wouldn't surprise me if I join them after a few more viewings(for now its The Life Aquatic of Steve Zissou for me). Like many Anderson films, it's perfectly directed,acted, and written while also being incredibly funny. Bryan Cranston is fucking hilarious in this! I can't wait to see it again! * John Wick 4 - Over-the-top, overwrought, outdoing itself at every given opportunity and also entertaining as hell! Donnie Yen is this movie's MVP. Bill Skarsgard is this franchise's best villain and is definitely auditioning for his inevitable Bond villain role. Saw this in IMAX with an enthusiastic crowd and had an absolute blast! One of the best theater experiences in awhile. Some films I need to catch up with: * You Hurt My Feelings (Nicole Holofcener) * Past Lives (Celine Strong) - probably the best reviewed movie of the year so far. It went wide but is playing nowhere near me so have to wait till streaming. * Godland (Hlynur Pálmason) - Currently playing on Criterion Channel. Heard nothing but great things. * Master Gardener (Paul Schrader) * Showing Up (Kelly Reichardt)
Stephen
2023-06-27 23:08:25 +0000 UTCReality surprised me. Didn’t love it as much as some people but really solid independent drama
Jackson Littlewood
2023-06-27 22:57:42 +0000 UTCI don’t think this year has been quite as strong as last so far but there’s a fair amount I still need to check out like Sanctuary, Beau is Afraid, Return to Seoul, etc. So far, these movies have been my favorites: Rye Lane- a really cool rom com riffing on Before Sunrise but in a way that feels fresh and original. Really funny as well Inside- Willem Dafoe art house chamberpiece. Not for everyone but it reminded me a lot of late-period Abel Ferrara which I really dig Infinity Pool- I share your Mia Goth obsession and probably liked it a little more than you did. Could’ve been more consistent but definitely my favorite of this recent trend of rich people satires. Knock at the Cabin- M. Night’s on a roll imo. Really slick thriller filmmaking and easily Bautista’s best role for me. Skinamarink- I know it didn’t work for you but it really took me back to fears that I hadn’t really felt since childhood. John Wick 4- The action epic we needed but did not deserve. Such a wonderful ode to the artistic expression in martial arts/action cinema. How to Blow Up A Pipeline- definitely my favorite of the year so far. The kind of political movie we rarely get anymore that actually takes the time to dive into the impact of climate change on every day people, and depicts the tense desperation people will inevitably go to in order to fight it.
Jackson Littlewood
2023-06-27 22:55:20 +0000 UTCCocaine Bear was actually a pleasant surprise. It reminded me of 1970s monster movies that are cheesy by design and don’t take themselves too seriously. It was fast-paced and filled with comedic moments. Also, always great to see Ray Liotta.
Shane Palamara
2023-06-27 22:40:40 +0000 UTCHaha so...I had no idea about the film you mentioned until I happened to be in the bathroom of a movie theater, and I saw a glass with the title "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret." And I felt seen and a bit confused. XD...when I was a kid I remember that book. And it only stood out to me because the main character and I have the same name, obviously. But I'll have to look into the film more. It's been on my mind ever since I saw that empty glass sitting in the theater bathroom.
Deepfocuslens
2023-06-27 22:31:25 +0000 UTCHonestly I really loved Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. Just such a kind and emotionally in tune little coming of age story that I found incredibly charming and relatable despite never once in my life being a 13 year old girl. Also, shout out to Reality, a recent HBO Max original that I that was a super effectively and tense little docudrama.
Tyler Shobe
2023-06-27 22:25:37 +0000 UTC
